US Involvement in WWI

Americans Question Neutrality In 1914 Americans saw no reason to join a struggle 3,000 miles away Some German-Americans supported Germany in World War I Americans felt closer to the British because of shared ancestry and language American economic interests were far stronger with the Allies

WWI: A Boom to the US Economy Britain and France bought products in great amounts. American bankers gave private loans to Allies. Germans kept out of American trade by the British blockade.

German Threats Escalate To stop American aid to Britain, Germany stated in February of 1915 it would sink any vessels that entered or left British Ports Began U-boat (submarines) warfare around British isles to break through blockade.

Submarine Warfare The Germans warned Americans their merchant ships might be hit. May 7th, 1915 British Passenger ship Lusitania torpedoed —128 Americans died. Germans claimed the ship was carrying Allied ammunition After sinking of British and French liners, Germans promised they would not sink unarmed ships without warning SUSSEX PLEDGE

1916 Election Woodrow Wilson vs. Charles Evans Hughes Wilson won a close election using the slogan “he kept us out of war”

The Zimmerman Note (1917) Sent by German foreign secretary Arthur Zimmerman to Mexico Was intercepted and decoded by British Telegram stated Germany would again begin unrestricted submarine warfare Even worse, telegram proposes alliance between Germany and Mexico Germany promises will help Mexico get land back lost during the Mexican American War if Mexico joins the war effort against the United States.

America Enters the War January 1917—Germany announced unrestricted submarine warfare. US finds Zimmerman Note a few weeks later in 1917. “Overt” acts—German U-boats sank four unarmed American merchant vessels in two weeks. April 6, 1917: US declares war because of these German actions.

U.S. Mobilizes for War May 18th 1917, Selective Service Act Required all men 21-30 to register to be drafted for war 24 million men registered 3 million called to duty 2 million volunteered